The Indian Auto Expo is all-set to return after a three-year hiatus. Usually, a biennial occurrence, the event was last supposed to happen in 2022. But the on-going global pandemic meant it had to be postponed by a year. The biggest event for automobiles in the country is slated to take place from January 13-18, 2023, in Greater Noida outside New Delhi.
According to the reports coming in, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, India’s top two automakers, are aiming to make a big splash at the event. Other manufacturers like MG, Tata, Toyota, Kia, and BYD are also planning to do the same as well with new concept reveals and product launches.
Interestingly, many key automakers in both the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments are choosing to opt-out of the show, even though the event is happening after a considerable gap. Experts believe that the high cost of participation and lack of new products from the brands to showcase are key factors to miss the event.
Another major factor is expected to be the show’s location, India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, which is nearly 50 kms away from New Delhi airport. Even for residents of Delhi, it is quite inaccessible due to the sheer distance and lack of adequate public transport connectivity. Pragati Maidan, the erstwhile location where the Auto Expo took place, is in the centre of New Delhi but is currently under reconstruction. Manufacturers may be more interested once it is ready to host again, likely in time for the 2025 event.
Auto Expo 2023: Manufacturers Confirmed
Currently the number of automakers set to attend this year’s festival is dreary. Budget car manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia, Tata Motors and Toyota, along with luxury marques like Lexus, BYD and Volvo are expected to be present at the event.
Maruti Suzuki
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Maruti Suzuki cars is expected to unveil the YTB, a compact crossover based on the Baleno, at the event. The new model is also likely to receive the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor that’s making its comeback to the company’s line-up.
Also, likely to be launched is the 5-door Jimny, one of the most awaited vehicles in India currently.
Hyundai and Kia
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India’s second-largest automaker in terms of volume, Hyundai cars is expected to showcase the flagship IONIQ 6 EV alongside another ‘affordable’ EV concept. The brand may also give us a look at the updated Creta and the next-gen Verna during the event. Hyundai may also be previewing a micro-SUV concept similar to the Tata Punch.
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Its sibling, Kia cars, is expected to launch the updated Seltos SUV as well as showcase its upcoming EV models.
Tata Motors
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The Indian auto giant, Tata Motor is currently riding on the back of its best-ever sales figures and making a buzz in the passenger vehicle segment. At the Auto Expo, the brand will be showing its current line-up, including the recently launched Tiago EV as well as electric versions of the Altroz and Punch.
MG Motors
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MG cars will have a stand dedicated to its upcoming EV models and concepts including the MG4 EV as well as the two-door micro, Air EV.
Toyota
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Toyota cars is going to launch the new Innova Hycross in India at the Auto Expo. The new petrol-hybrid MPV will be sold alongside the Innova Crysta in diesel form.
BYD
The new entrant in the Indian market, BYD (Build Your Dreams) will be launching the Atto 3 crossover that was recently unveiled in India.
Auto Expo 2023: Manufacturers Not Confirmed
Sources say that Mahindra cars, Honda cars, Volkswagen cars, Skoda cars, Citroen cars and Nissan cars are expected to not be a part of the Auto Expo. Also, premium automakers like Mercedes-Benz cars, BMW cars, Audi cars, Land Rover cars and Jaguar cars won’t have a presence at this year’s event.
Read Also: Exclusive Maruti Jimny 5-Door Camouflage Spotted Testing in Delhi NCR
Commercial Vehicle Manufacturers to Have Increased Presence
The global pandemic and the following related lockdowns meant that the commercial vehicle segment has faced a couple of hard years. However, with industries like mining, tourism and construction slowly going to normal, there’s an increased demand for trucks and buses. Major players like Ashok Leyland, Volvo Eicher, Tata Motors, and Switch Mobility – an all-electric entrant – are all set to showcase their latest offerings and innovations at the Auto Expo.
